- Abdu'l-Baha records that Mirza Malkum Khan advised Shah Nasir'd-Din Shah that European order and national progress were attributable to Freemasonry lodges. Consequently, the Shah ordered the establishment of a Masonic lodge (Faramush-khanah) in Tehran and compelled his ministers to join.
- Abdu'l-Baha states that the noble ideals advocated by fraternal orders are fully encompassed within the Baha'i Revelation: "The real principles of the Masonic Order are found in the Baha'i reality. The principles of Christ are found in the Baha'i Cause, and so are the principles of all other faiths. It comprehends all contrarieties".
- In early teaching guidance, Abdu'l-Baha noted that Masons often exhibit an openness to truth: "As the members of the Masonic Order have not the fanaticism of the ignorant ones they have the capacity to advance towards the Kingdom of God. Unquestionably exert yourself in teaching them the Truth".
- In early, informal conversations during His travels in the West, Abdu'l-Baha emphasized that investigating reality begins without rigid barriers: "The number nine contains eight, and seven, and all the other numbers, and does not deny any of them. Do not distress or deny anyone by saying 'He is not a Baha'i!' He will be known by his deeds. There are no secrets among Baha'is... You can be a Baha'i-Christian, a Baha'i-Freemason, a Baha'i-Jew, a Baha'i-Muhammadan".
- Abdu'l-Baha pointed out that human or theoretical bonds of brotherhood inevitably disintegrate when subjected to nationalistic conflicts, citing the Franco-Prussian War: "The Freemasons believe in brotherhood. When the Germans besieged Paris, there were Freemasons on both sides whose theoretic principle was peace and brotherhood. Bismarck and the Emperor of Germany were Freemasons but how did they come up in action? The French people one morning raised the Freemason flag on the Fort. The Germans fired at them with their cannons". Spiritual transformation through the Holy Spirit is required for an indissoluble bond.
- Abdu'l-Baha cited the historical discretion of Freemasons as an example of wisdom when teaching sensitive topics: "Consider how the Freemasons have for two hundred years carried on their work, and unto this day they have not openly declared it to any soul. Not until they find a hearing ear will they speak. The loved ones too must proceed with the greatest prudence, lest serious difficulties be created".
- As the Baha'i Administrative Order developed, clear rulings were issued by Shoghi Effendi and the Universal House of Justice prohibiting believers from holding dual membership in Masonic lodges or secret societies.
- Any Baha'i who refuses to relinquish membership in Freemasonry loses their Baha'i voting rights: "Disapprove membership (in) Freemasonry. Any Baha'i determined retain membership (in) Freemasonry loses voting rights".
- Reasons for the Prohibition:
- Building Blocks of a New Order: "The point is not that there is something intrinsically wrong with Masonry, which no doubt has many very high ideals and principles... The reasons why the Guardian feels that it is imperative for the Baha'is to be dissociated from masonry at this time... is that we are the building blocks of Baha'u'llah's New World Order... the Baha'is should be absolutely independent, and stand identified only with their own teachings".
- Risk of Political Entanglement: "Whereas organisations such as Freemasonry may have been in the past entirely free from any political taint, in the state of flux the world is in at present... there is no guarantee that such an association might not gradually or suddenly become a political instrument". Baha'is must remain strictly non-partisan and free from political allegiances.
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